SmartThings Support

How to exclude Z-Wave devices in SmartThings Classic

Z-Wave devices require a separate command and physical confirmation from the device itself (usually a button press) in order to be reset (or "excluded") and removed from a controller (like the SmartThings Hub).

Before removing a Z-Wave device, make sure you’ve uninstalled any configurations or SmartApps associated with the device.

Note: In order to exclude a Z-Wave device, you must have the physical device with you and be within range of the SmartThings Hub.

Removing and excluding a device that is already connected

Your Hub will enter exclude mode automatically when you remove a Z-Wave device via the Things page (iOS and Android only). When prompted, execute the required button press or exclusion process as outlined by the device's user guide.

In the SmartThings Classic app:

Tap My Home

Tap Things

Tap the device you wish to remove

Tap the gear icon

Tap Remove

Confirm removal of the device

When prompted, execute the exclusion procedure to remove the device from the mobile app and from the SmartThings Hub

Excluding or resetting a device that is not yet connected to SmartThings(General Device Exclusion)

Perhaps you're having trouble adding a Z-Wave device that was previously in use by a SmartThings Hub or another type of Z-Wave controller. Or maybe your new device won’t connect after several attempts. Sometimes a device partially connects, or is partially removed, behind the scenes. Resetting/excluding the device through the General Z-Wave Device Exclusion process will likely fix these problems. Then, you will be able to connect the device as usual.

Here are the steps to perform a General Z-Wave Device Exclusion in the SmartThings Classic app:

For iOS users:

Tap More

Tap the Hub

Tap Z-Wave Utilities

Tap General Device Exclusion

Tap Remove

When you see the message "Please follow manufacturer's instructions to remove the Z-Wave device from My SmartThings," perform the required exclusion process (e.g., pressing a button on the device)

For Android users:

Tap the menu

Tap the Hub

Tap Z-Wave Utilities

Tap General Device Exclusion

When you see the message "Please follow manufacturer's instructions to remove the Z-Wave device from My SmartThings," perform the required exclusion process (e.g., pressing a button on the device)

If the reset is executed successfully, you will see a message that says the device has been successfully removed from SmartThings. You will then be free to connect the device by following these steps.